Does Menopausal Misery Mean Progress? Options

[Joan D'Arc]

I'm 52 and have been in peri-menopause for six long years. I tried natural remedies for a long time; about two years ago, I went on HRT. I am now on 1.0 mg. Vivelle Dot patch plus 12 days of Prometrium every month. Because I recently started ROASTING 24/7 (Oh, for the good ol' days of flashes instead of constants!), my gynecologist recently put me on a very low dose of Estrodiol, too.

There seems to be a pattern: I start on or increase the dosage of hormones, they kick in and I feel better, then they don't work as well. Lately, I've been ROASTING non-stop. I wear natural fabrics, avoid caffeine and alcohol, etc., etc., but I'm pretty miserable.

So here are my questions:

1) I always dread going on the Prometrium because I feel crummy on it. The heat gets worse, I have more trouble sleeping, etc. A couple of months ago when I initiated divorce proceedings, I forgot to take the Prometrium at all, and I felt great and didn't have a period. Are there natural alternatives for Prometrium like there are for estrogen?

2) When hot flashes increase, does it mean that estrogen levels are decreasing? In other words, am I getting closer to the end of this difficult journey? I'm still pretty regular in terms of periods. I'd like to think that the increased suffering at least means I'm making progress.

Thanks for any information, advice, or help of any kind!

[joyceveronica]

I'm 52 and have been in peri-menopause for six long years. I tried natural remedies for a long time; about two years ago, I went on HRT. I am now on 1.0 mg. Vivelle Dot patch plus 12 days of Prometrium every month. Because I recently started ROASTING 24/7 (Oh, for the good ol' days of flashes instead of constants!), my gynecologist recently put me on a very low dose of Estrodiol, too.

There seems to be a pattern: I start on or increase the dosage of hormones, they kick in and I feel better, then they don't work as well. Lately, I've been ROASTING non-stop. I wear natural fabrics, avoid caffeine and alcohol, etc., etc., but I'm pretty miserable.

So here are my questions:

1) I always dread going on the Prometrium because I feel crummy on it. The heat gets worse, I have more trouble sleeping, etc. A couple of months ago when I initiated divorce proceedings, I forgot to take the Prometrium at all, and I felt great and didn't have a period. Are there natural alternatives for Prometrium like there are for estrogen?

2) When hot flashes increase, does it mean that estrogen levels are decreasing? In other words, am I getting closer to the end of this difficult journey? I'm still pretty regular in terms of periods. I'd like to think that the increased suffering at least means I'm making progress.

Thanks for any information, advice, or help of any kind!

Dear 'Joan d'Arc'
I am 57 and was Menopausal from age 39.I have been on HRT for all these years and it has been a God-send.I do remember that when my Gyno. increased my level of Estradoil to 3mgs I felt even better.Hot flashes and flushes gone.

In this country we have no access to BHRT and I have no knowledge og Prometrium so sorry I can be of no help there!However I am sure you will get more replies by ladies familiar with Prometrium..

It sounds like you are following a good diet but the stress of your divorce proceedings will also increase your anxiousness which makes you more susceptible to hormone fluctuations.How about a visit to your Gyno?Maybe your Hormones need tweaking.I too live in a hot country so sweat enough without any added incentive!.

I wish you lots of luck and happiness in your new life.

All the Best
Elizabeth

[nc53215]

i know me personally have had worse flashes at the beginning of this mess then i do now !!!